The Museum of Power

This post is a very long time in the putting together- I've been meaning to put it together it for ages.

Back in November, Sophie from Sophie in the Sticks let me know she was coming to Maldon in Essex for a Steampunk extravaganza at the Museum of Power which she'd been invited to and asked me if I wanted to come and meet her.  I was delighted at the opportunity to see Sophie again and I've been looking at those Brown tourism Museum of Power signs for years, wondering what it is.


When I arrived, from the outside, it looked a bit of a ramshackle place but inside, it was amazing, it is an absolutely fascinating museum, really my cup of tea- so different and so quirky!!!! It's not a sanitary, Science Museum or Natural History museum, it's a bit more basic and earthy but it's fab. It reminded me in some ways of the Jean Tinguelly museum in Basel in a strange way.

I thought I'd share how the website describes what it is for and what it is like

The Museum, a unique and fascinating experience for all the family, is located at Langford, near Maldon, Essex and is easily accessible from the A12 (see ‘Visiting’).
Set in seven acres of grounds with the River Blackwater running through, the main exhibits are housed in the 1920s Steam Pumping Station, the former generator hall and boiler house.
Pride of place is given to the magnificent Lilleshall triple-expansion steam engine which was returned to steam for the first time in 50 years in April 2011. As a result in September 2013 the museum was awarded “Engineering Heritage Listed Status” by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
The Museum includes numerous power-related exhibits that will interest young and the not so young, with many working examples of various power sources, machinery, equipment and tools.
In addition, in the former workshop, the Steam Pump Tearooms (opened in April 2011) offer an extensive selection of refreshments and treats for every age where visitors can relax.
Outside in the grounds more attractions can be found including a model village, picnic area and the ever-popular miniature railway providing rides for all ages at selective events.

There are so many cool exhibits!  I thought I'd share some pictures of some.

This yellow robot was really fun.

Because they run educational days, there were some great educational, interactive exhibits like this one which showed how a kettle boiled which I found fascinating!

There were some amazing pieces of machinery, pistons, gauges and motors galore.

This massive wheel is part of the huge steam pump- this was super impressive in motion.

We loved this collection of hoovers through the years- CBC joked that my hoover (now defunct) should go with them!

Ahrgh, why is this on its side!

We liked trying some different machines and tools!

In every corner, there was something to intrigue and to amuse.

Benign devices of power with friendly faces.

I loved seeing all the vintage fuel containers

Because there was a special Steampunk extravaganza, there were special exhibitors on the day, people who had brought their machines, steam or oil powered.

It was so different to any exhibition or museum I had been to and the fact you could get so close to things was really cool!

Outside, there were more interesting things to see.

There is a miniature railway there which you can ride on for a few pounds.

CBC, Sophie, her husband C and I decided to give the train a go and it was great fun

We had a super time at the Museum of Power and I recommend it for a visit. As I said, it's not the most spruced and shiny looking place but it is really interesting!

Have you been?

Stay tuned for a few pictures of the costumery people wore at the Steampunk event another time- it was fascinating!

xxx

5 brooches part 9

Today, I am posting brooches from a weeks ago or so.  I like this set, they are a real mixed bag or quirk and simplicity

This jewelled tortoise came from acharity-shop of course! He's quite heavy but I like the fact he is quite true to colour BUT sparkly!

CBC bought me this large cherry brooch from Vivienne of Holloway around about 6 years ago after we first started going out.  He went there to pick me up a gift voucher and then bought this as a treat! I like its over the top quality but you have to be careful how you hang it as last time it was somehow perched inapproriately! This time, I thought it went perfectly with this Topshop charity-shopped cropped jacket!

Cunningly worn in conjunction on a Thursday, this recorder brooch and drum brooch signalled that I had Recorder Club AND drumming club at school! The kids in both of those got it instantly! Ha! The recorder is a really old one I've had since I was 11,so it is well over 23 years old! The drum came from Hexham Vintage Emporium.

Here are my Ladybird like owl collar clips again but this time, I decided to wear them as cardigan-clips which worked much better as they looked less inebriated than last week's collar adventure!

Last, but not least, here is the Jammy Dodger Brooch I bought at the Steamunk Essexextraordinaire last week.  It is VERY heavy!

Any favourites here? Bought any recently? Do share!

xx

P.S.
In case, you missed it, I have entered Lady Vintage's Hall of Fame photo competition with my outfit and I would be SO grateful if you liked my outfit out of those who have entered enough to give it a like on Facebook.   If your husband, boyfriend, cat, dog or significant other felt so inclined to take a look too, (like a few have!), I would be very grateful!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.864013323713000.1073741877.144939495620390&type=1&l=8c4891a181

Cute and quirky

I was looking at Midwest Muse's blog and she had shared a gorgeous fox bag she received from Sammydress (whose dress I had also seen on Sophie's blog) and then decided to go and have a look at the fox bag. I clicked on bags and there were STACKS!!!! I had a quick look through them and like the fox bag, I found a few really nice and quirky handbags. Not only that, they are really reasonably priced. Not sure where they are based- China or something from the models, I presume.  There are classic-looking bags as well as these funky ones but I'm all about the novelty! I probably won't be buying any of these. Unlike other items, I am quite restrained* about bags and much as I LOVE them, just feel that I need to have a versatile, moderate-sized bag which I can carry MANY items around in.  Plus I don't NEED one and I always tend to get rid of bags when I have too many (unlike dresses and shoes) so I don't want to get rid of any).  But a girl can dream, right? And admire without purchasing (Yes, CBC, I can do this!).  Plus, I've not ordered from abroad as I don't want to be stung by import tax. What's anyone's experience of it? I'd be interested to know.
Anyway, enough waffling, enjoy the bags.



Rubix cube bag  $7.00

A RUBIX-CUBE BAG!!!  I love rainbow things so I'd love this. Not sure how big it is, or how practical to wear. Are those corners sharp? Will I have poky-bruises in my side after running to the station with it on my shoulders? I'd love this one but willpower reigns.



Owl chain bag $11.85

owl stuff is always cute. This owl is cute. And a little wonky-eyed- like me!



Yellow satchel $8.56

I really like this satchel. It's bright and it has that 'jump out of paper' cartoon quality to it. Very reasonable and probably more the type of everyday one I need but how large is it?

The Cat's meow $13.23

Not that quirky, but I like the fact it looks like you are storing a cat in there!!!


Ear bag $15.55

Not taken by the leopard-skin (although it looks furry- cool, except when you constantly leave rotting fruit in your rucksack, it wouldn't remain nice for long) but IT HAS EARS!

Foxy foxie $13.23
This is the one that Midwest Muse had.  I love it!


Clock bag $9.53
Yes, I like the idea of the clock bag- feeds my Doctor Who habit. I always dreamt of having a shelf of clocks, like the Seventh Doctor before he became Paul McGann.   Would be even cooler if the hands turned!

So, would you purchase any of these?** And what's your opinion on bags. I just have to have a large bag!

xx
*In comparison to how I am with other items. Like dresses, shoes, tops, headbands etc.
** Can I just state that I am not encouraging you to buy. No, Char, do not click on that link!!!!